Beijing will be the host city for the 24th World Championship of Magic in 2009, winning out over fierce competition from Granada in Spain and Vienna in Austria.

This is the first time the Federation International Societe de Magie has authorized the worldwide championship to take place in a developing country in 58 years, and marks another big cultural event in Beijing along with the 2008 Olympic Games.

The World Championship of Magic, held every three years, is also called the Olympic Games of Magic for its variety of high-skill-level magic shows.

China drew 62% of support in the selection process, at 227 positive votes from the representatives.